The Descending and Ascending Angels

Genesis 28:10-22 4/3/10

Time Spent: 15 min

Main Idea: Jacob's vision sees the link between heaven and earth through a ladder, which we understand is Christ

What this tells me about God: It is through Jesus alone that we have access to God.

Summary: As Jacob was fleeing from his brother Esau, he rests his head on a rock and gets a vision from the Lord. In it, he sees angels ascending and descending onto the earth like a sort of spiritual-escalator. This is called Jacob's ladder and it is a source of much comfort to Jacob. Right there in his dream, God reiterates the promise that He made with Abraham to him. Jacob finds much comfort in this and builds a pillar in worship to God. Later on we know this theme develops and it is no longer a "ladder" that the angels ascend and descend from, but rather it is Christ. Jesus states to Nathaniel "Truly, truly, I say to you, you will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending ON THE SON OF MAN" Jo. 1:51. Hallelujah! The access to God is through Jesus Christ alone!

Application: Mike told me that, "all roads lead to God. But only one road leads to God as Father". The only access to God is through His Son. Easter Sunday is a day where we pronounce the greatness of our Lord Jesus and I must remember how it remains distinct. There are plenty of "ladders" that are made to seemingly to get to God or even become God: moralism, success, hedonism, etc. But truly the only one that can save, that can forgive, and can love unconditionally is the Son Jesus Christ. My application for this text is to pray 10 minutes before I sleep about the amazing offer Jesus has made to this world. Somehow, as I prepare my easter message/worship, I don't seem to be "struck" by this concept. God is tugging at my heart that the best way to "prepare" for Easter is to be "awe-struck" by the amazing offer of grace through the Son. The one which we may ascend to God, only through the death and resurrection of His Son.